Portage County Board Approves Sale of Health Care Center After Years of Debate

Stevens Point, WI — The Portage County Board has voted to sell the Portage County Health Care Center to a private operator, bringing a long-running and divisive issue to a close after years of discussion.

In a 15–10 vote, board members approved the sale of the county-owned nursing facility to The Ensign Group. The proposal has been debated and brought to a vote multiple times over the past several years, reflecting deep divisions among county leaders and residents.

County Board Chair Ray Reser described the situation as complex and difficult, citing ongoing financial pressures and the need to preserve access to long-term care services in the community.

Financial Concerns Drive Decision

County officials have pointed to persistent financial challenges as a central factor in the decision. According to county leadership, the health care center has averaged hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual losses over the past decade.

The facility operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it relies largely on its own revenue rather than general county tax dollars. Even so, Reser said county leaders do not believe the county can continue operating the facility long-term without significant financial strain.

Supporters of the sale argue that transferring ownership to a private operator is the most viable path to keeping the facility open and maintaining local access to skilled nursing beds and services.

Residents Push Back Over Care Quality

The decision has drawn opposition from residents who fear the sale could jeopardize the quality of care and eliminate public oversight.

Liz McDonald of Stevens Point has spoken out against the sale at multiple county meetings. She said she worries residents may not realize they or their families could one day rely on the facility for care.

McDonald also pointed to federal quality ratings, saying the county-run facility has consistently ranked higher than other nursing facilities in the area. In her view, that track record underscores the importance of keeping the center under county control.

Despite the vote, the sale remains a sensitive issue in the community, with residents on both sides closely watching how the transition to private ownership unfolds.